A Persistent Forecast for 2021

Persistent (def) – continuing to exist or endure over a prolonged period

Wall Street forecasts lack persistence. Their shelf life may only be a few weeks or months at best. 2020 was a great example; once COVID hit, existing forecasts became worthless. And this happens just about every year – excuses abound as to why the “experts” got it wrong…again.

Real-life examples?

Curious for real-life, recent examples? Check out this market forecast from Goldman Sachs for 2019. (PS The S&P 500 was +29% in 2019.) And of course, check out this Goldman Sachs “outlook” for a single stock, Apple, from September, 2019. (PS #2, Apple is +142% since the writing of that article through 12/31/2020.)

‘Experts’ wrong…again

Despite their propensity to mislead investors, forecasts are alluring because they provide an illusion of certainty. And our brain wants certainty. The problem is that we are looking for certainty in the wrong place.

My forecast is persistent because it is based on enduring investment truths and investor behavior. The news and markets change all the time; but this forecast does not. Not only is it reliable, it’s of immense value to help investors achieve their goals.

My 2021 Forecast

In full disclosure, this ‘forecast’ is nearly identical for 2020 and years prior to that (and will stay similar in future years). These are truths and principles to remember each year, regardless of the headline news or ‘expert’ opinion.

• The economy/market will do something that surprises us.
• Investors who watch the market often will experience more stress than those that don’t.
• You will be tempted to abandon your plan at some point based on expert forecasts and/or short-term market performance.
• Investor behavior (discipline vs chasing what is hot/popular) will have a significant influence on total return – and is something in your complete control.

Simple…but not easy

Investing is simple, but not easy. It is difficult to stick with a strategy when it is out of favor. Patience and discipline are virtues because they aren’t easy, yet they are essential for your success. As your advisor, one of my most important roles is helping you decipher the noise from what really matters for your financial success.

I wish you a prosperous, fulfilling and blessed 2021.  Thank you for allowing me to be your trusted partner along the journey.

– Kaleb Paddock, CFP®

Learn More

You can learn more about Ten Talents and Kaleb Paddock, a financial advisor based in Parker, Colorado, by clicking here.

Kaleb can be reached at (303) 961-4397 or kaleb@tentalentsfp.com.

Check out the video below on our YouTube channel or click the “play” button below.

©2021 The Behavioral Finance Network. Used with permission.